DEP announces public meeting, hearing on Susquehanna County compressor station

WILKES-BARRE -- The Department of Environmental Protection will hold a public meeting and hearing on Tuesday, Aug. 28, to discuss Williams Energy’s proposed Air Quality plan approval to construct the Central compressor station in Bridgewater and Brooklyn townships, Susquehanna County.

The 6 p.m. meeting and hearing will be at Montrose High School at 15 Meteor Way.

“Staff from DEP’s Air Quality program will explain the application review process and applicable regulations, and Williams Energy officials will review the proposed project with the audience,” DEP Northeast Regional Director Mike Bedrin said. “We will have a question-and-answer session for DEP and the company to hear about residents’ concerns and provide needed information.”

Williams Energy submitted its Air Quality plan approval application to DEP in September 2011. The plan outlines that the compressor station would include three natural gas-fired compressor engines; a solar turbine; an emergency generator; three water storage tanks; three dehydration units to remove water from incoming natural gas; and an enclosed, smokeless flare that is used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The company proposes to build the compressor station as part of Williams Field Services’ gathering system in Susquehanna County, which draws natural gas produced from area wells.

DEP published a notice of intent to issue the plan approval in the July 28 edition of the Pennsylvania Bulletin and asked for public comment. A significant number of residents asked the agency to hold a public meeting or public hearing to discuss the application.

During the 6 p.m. meeting, the public will have an opportunity to ask DEP and Williams staff questions about the permit application and DEP’s role in reviewing it. At 7 p.m., the public is invited to present up to five minutes of oral testimony about the application. Written testimony of any length will also be accepted. The testimony will be recorded by a court reporter and transcribed into a written document, and DEP will create a written response to all relevant testimony provided during the public hearing.

Those who wish to present oral testimony may register that evening prior to the hearing.

For anyone unable to attend the hearing, written comment should be submitted by the close of business on Tuesday, Sept. 11, to DEP Air Quality Program Manager, 2 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703.